USGS Geochemical Reference Materials - Microanalytical Reference Materials and Accessories

Photo of laser standards. The USGS Microanalytical Reference Materials (MRMs) are designed for use in the quantitative analysis of geologic samples using direct solid sampling techniques such as Laser Ablation ICP-MS. Recommended and informational total element concentrations were obtained through international round robin analysis using both bulk and microanalytical data.

Samples are distributed in polished epoxy mounts and ready for immediate use. These MRMs are supplied as individual samples or as sets contained within a plastic holder. Accessories are also available which integrate the USGS MRM holder with standard sample chamber mounts for CETAC® and New Wave® laser ablation systems.

Microanalytical Reference Materials (mounted)

Identifier / Order No.	Material Type	Form	Comments	Mount Color	Price (USD)
BCR-2G	Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Melted BCR-2	Colorless	$150
BHVO-2G	Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Melted BHVO-2	Magenta	$150
BIR-1G	Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Melted BIR-1	Yellow	$150
NKT-1G	Nephelinite Glass	Epoxy Mount	Melted NKT-1	Magenta	$150
TB-1G	Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Melted TB-1	Orange	$150
GSC-1G	Synthetic Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Traces ~ 3 ppm	Light Blue	$150
GSD-1G	Synthetic Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Traces ~ 30 ppm	Medium Blue	$150
GSE-1G	Synthetic Basalt Glass	Epoxy Mount	Traces ~ 300 ppm	Dark Blue	$150

Microanalytical Reference Materials (Pressed Powders)

Identifier / Order No.	Material Type	Form	Mount	Price (USD)
MASS-1	Synthetic Polymetal Sulfide	Pressed Pellet	Pellet in 19 mm ring	$150
MACS-3	Synthetic Calcium Carbonate	Pressed Pellet	Pellet in 19 mm ring	$150

Microanalytical RM Accessories for Laser Ablation

Identifier / Order No.	Material Type	Comments	Price USD)
SH-V1	Sample Holder	Plastic, will hold 4 RM plugs	$50
CM-V1	Cetac Laser Ablation system sample mount	Mount for sample holder to fit Cetac Laser Ablation chambers	$100
NWM-V1	New Wave Laser Ablation system sample mount	Mount for sample holder to fit New Wave Laser Ablation chambers	$150
RM KIT-1	MRM Starter Kit	Contains 1 each of GSD-1G, BCR-2G, BHVO-2G, BIR-1G, and sample holder (SH-V-1)	$600

The use of firm, trade, and brand names is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. government.

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